Matariki 2026 at Te PapaMatariki 2026 ki Te Papa

A free, interactive drop-in session for tamariki aged 5 and under. This month learn about Matariki and waka navigation.

Ka wānanga ngā kaumoana o Ngahiraka-Mai-Tawhiti mō te whakatere waka – te nehe, te nāianei, me te anamata.

The Ngahiraka-Mai-Tawhiti crew kōrero (talk) about waka (canoe) voyaging – past, present, and future.

This kōrero will be mainly in te reo Māori with some English.  

An adults-only celebration of the stories, traditions, and mātauranga (knowledge) shared between Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Moananui-a-Kiwa, the wider Pacific. 

Come together to celebrate Matariki with free whānau-friendly activities, workshops, and activities.

Celebrate Matariki – the beginning of the New Year in Aotearoa New Zealand, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

Learn all about Matariki and see our events. Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

This year’s theme of Matariki herenga waka is all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together. 

Learn about Matariki through fun kids’ activities. Featuring word searches, colouring pages, games, and stories, discover what's important during Matariki – whetū, kōrero, kai, whenua, whānau, and the Maramataka.